Call me old-fashioned, but I do both printmedia and Internet advertising. I know that not everyone who buys a house - or who is helping someone look for a house - is in their 30's. There is another generation and they do read newspapers, and they do need print ads. This generation includes people with lots of disposable income who are looking for nice homes. It also includes people with children and grandchildren who may need a new home, and these parents have time to help their kids with the search.

Knowing the market, taking the time to listen and learn about the client's needs, working my wide network of connections and resources, investing my time and talent in each transaction, and yes, placing ads in all appropriate media is what sells houses. Sure, you can Google me and my properties anytime. I'm there. In the page above, there are many references to get readers to the internet. Just counted 22 times that my website or email are mentioned.

The full-service commission that I receive pays for my print media, for my Internet ads and for the many hours of my time. It is recognition that I apply all my knowledge,marketing skill and experience to getting the best price for the home. This advertising also keeps my name and face in front of the public and keeps a future waiting list of sellers.

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Margaret, I guess you nailed it when you talked about demographics. There is a demographic that still read newspapers and look for houses there. I am targeting first time home buyers and I found that most of my clients don't look for houses in the newspaper. They do that online. So for now I will continue to invest my time and resources online only.

By all means go with what works for you. But if you think the internet is not used by us baby boomers , I think you are mistaken, Sure some of us may still read newspapers, but we are also using the internet. Sure I might see your ad in the Sun but it will be cheaper for you to reach me advertising on Google, or Facebook

Ron, There are very few who have a bigger Internet presence than yours truly. And most of the other boomers and older are also web savy. My mix of Internet and print media keep my referral pipeline of listings always full.

OK....now I have read all the pros and cons to mix with my coffee this morning. My take on it for me is that I stopped all print ads at least 4 years ago(have never missed them!) and focused on my appreciation marketing with greeting cards and only the Internet using my 2 MLS systems, blogs and weekly email newsletter.

What has happened since? I left the franchise since all they did were print ads and had one website, opened my own boutique brokerage focusing on Internet and sending real cards to people. Hired an executive assistant. The sucess has been mind-blowing when agents are complaining of things being slow.

The past 2 years have been my best ever and sales of high dollar homes are making the numbers big. I don't do any short sales or any foreclosures.

It's all coming together from my Internet and greeting card program. I'm now able to take those vacations I always wanted.

Right now I am sitting on a mountain overlooking beautiful fall colored trees.

I couldn't afford to do this before when I was just struggling to make print ads work.

Ahhhh...life is good and I'm thankful for my Internet, friends (like YOU) and being so lucky.

Lizette, You have made marketing work for you in the most positive way. Please consider making this comment a full blown post. Your love and enjoyment of real estate is very inspiring. So glad to see you taking in the time to appreciate all you have earned.

Margaret, I haven't got much bang for my buck from most print advertising. However, I have gotten great results from the yellow pages and the community redbook. There are still some older generations that rely on those sources to find service providers in their community. Most of my advertising is done online. But, that works for me, do what works for your business!!

If it works for you, it is not a waste of time and it is a good use of your marketing budget. Here, print advertising is very costly. We use it for open house advertising but for little else. I wish you continued success.

Hi Margaret, Folks like my mom and Mr. Jack read the newspaper and refuse to have the internet and I even pick up the local paper to see who is doing the print ads, it is a combo of both to market to everyone. I have to admit...it is hard to move away from the olde newspaper!

I can see where it would work for you and so glad to hear it does!! I have dropped my newspaper advertising to just open houses and the ad does bring in buyers. But...there are other big listing agents in my area who do weekly ads. The ads are smaller and more focused but there still the same. They must know what you know :0)

MArgaret - you need to do what works in your market and for the homes you are selling. For more it is a combination of things, both on-line and in print. The print costs ARE high and can be hard to justify, unless they work. Which of course is tru of any marketing.

Regardless of the type of advertising one uses, I believe standing out is what generates results. Developing a voice and presenting it effectively in print media, internet advertising, radio commercials, etc. is what really counts!

There are also people who say that open houses are a waste of time. Keeping in mind that all real estate is local, knowing the demographics of people seeking to buy, and reaching that demographic by means that are comfortable to them, makes it easy to find clients, buyers and sellers.

Thanks to all for continuing to comment. Here is another post

Margaret, it's a combined effort I feel. A basic B & W print ad is our usual trend along with internet of course and possibly radio spots during our season. You have to track the results in order to determine effectiveness with all advertising. Without taking the time to do that you'll just keep writing checks.

Yet again, I get to learn from you as you focus on the important things.

You said -"Knowing the market, taking the time to listen and learn about the client's needs, working my wide network of connections and resources, investing my time and talent in each transaction, and yes, placing ads in all appropriate media is what sells houses."

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